CCA4

A lawyer once told me the sole reason of him becoming a solicitor is to possess the power to write mere letters that will strike fear in the heart of men. Although not usually mentioned in correlation, language is deeply connected with power. As stated by Norman Fairclough, language contributes to the domination of some people over others. One who wields words to their advantage gains the competitive edge over those they wish to control.
The notion of empowerment through mastery of language is self-evident. Doctors, lawyers, and bankers employ jargon not only for job requirements, but to distinguish themselves as extremely knowledgeable of their fields. We tend to attribute higher social status and dominance to those who appear more knowledgeable and linguistically advanced than others. Similarly, politicians frequently hire speech professionals to orchestrate their public speech in order to appear more sincere and influential. When used as a method of persuasion, the mastery of language portrays legitimate authority and successfully places the politician in the favour of voters.
As for my good lawyer friend, language is utilized as a coercion tactic. Lawyers in court employ techniques during cross-examination to intimidate and confuse the witness into admitting self incriminating information regardless of its actual validity. This disparity in rhetorical methods tips the blind balance of justice represented by untrained witnesses in favor of well versed lawyers.
Language then, becomes a powerful tool of both persuasion and intimidation which in turn can be used to acquire positions of higher status and power. While the old adage knowledge is power may hold water, it is the delivery of the knowledge that entitles one to the power promised by knowledge. In the end, a sword is only as powerful as its wielder.